Peachtree Hoops: Hawks fall to Knicks, NBA suspends season during play of game

[Hawksquawk]

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

As Wednesday night’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks continued, the NBA announced that the 2019-20 season has been suspended “until further notice.”

Stay tuned for additional information as it becomes available.

Below is a brief recap of the game itself.

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The Atlanta Hawks hosted the New York Knicks Wednesday night, with the Hawks coming in to the contest off the double-overtime win over Charlotte Monday night.

Atlanta struggled to slow down New York out of the gate, trailing by as many as 15 in the opening quarter. The energy simply was not there, especially on the defensive interior. Maurice Harkless and Julius Randle bullied Atlanta inside throughout the night, combining for 17 points in the first alone.

Jeff Teague led Atlanta scorers with eight points heading into the second. The Knicks did not slow down when play resumed, scoring 20 points in the paint in just the second quarter. They totaled 36 PIP in the half and lead 67-50 at the break after leading by as much as 22 in the second.

The Hawks offered little resistance at the rim in the opening half and also struggling to find any rhythm on offense. Trae Young had nine points and three assists while De'Andre Hunter had eight points and two rebounds. Randle led the Knicks with 12 first-half points.

Collins came out of the break with a bang, shaking the house with this jam:

JOHN IS A DUNK ARTIST @JCollins20_ | #TrueToAtlanta pic.twitter.com/kD5yUQUy37

— FOX Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnFSSE) March 12, 2020

However, the Hawks did not garner any momentum from the highlight, falling back down by 20+ within minutes. The effort was in question for much of the night for Atlanta, as the Knicks never trailed in the contest.

R.J. Barrett scored 10 points in the third quarter, and the Knicks lead 96-78 heading into the final period. The Hawks went on a run to start the fourth, cutting it back to an nine-point margin with under 8:00 remaining.

Trae is starting to COOK. pic.twitter.com/QQperZh8aF

— FOX Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnFSSE) March 12, 2020

The Hawks trailed by just six with 4:13 remaining after a lob from Young to Collins. Randle hit a three to put the Knicks back up 11 under the 2:30 mark.

Young hit a three to cut it to a two-point game with 45 seconds left, then raced down the floor of a miss and tied the score with 15.3 left. The game went to overtime after the Knicks failed to score on the final possession of regulation.

SEND IT TO OVERTIME, ICE TRAE! pic.twitter.com/u6gUbWNv3V

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) March 12, 2020

The Knicks controlled the overtime and took home the 136-131 win. Young finished with 42 points (including 27 in the fourth quarter) and nine assists in the loss, with Collins adding 22 points and 14 rebounds. Barrett finished with 26 points for New York, with Randle adding 33 points and 11 rebounds.

Vince Carter hit a three-pointer with 13.4 seconds remaining in what might be the last game of his career, given the news of the day.

Vince Carter for three in (presumably) the last game of his career. pic.twitter.com/IqBKryEq7h

— JJ (@JameelahJNBA) March 12, 2020

Stay safe and healthy, everyone.

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